Spiritual Gifts List
with Definitions and Biblical References

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Spiritual Gifts Test
or this
Spiritual Gifts List with Definitions and Biblical References
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This document is to be used with the
Adult Spiritual Gifts Test
and the
Youth Spiritual Gifts Test
.
The gifts covered by each test are shown in the table below:
Clicking on any gift name will take you directly to its definition and Biblical references.
Immediately below this table is some introductory material you may want to read first.

Some see Prayer and Intercession as a vehicle through which the Gifts of Faith,
Healing, and Miracles operate.

Some of these "gifts" are obviously Spiritual Gifts. Others are debatable.
However, it is not particularly important whether a certain ability
is a Spiritual Gift, a blessing from God, a God given talent, an inherited
trait, a natural human ability, or something learned. The thing that is
important is that we discover what Gifts are more pronounced in us and to learn
how to use them to serve God. God is just as pleased when we use a
learned ability to serve Him as He is when we use a Spiritual Gift to serve
Him. The key is to discover our abilities (Spiritual Gifts and Talents) and learn to
use them to Love, Worship, an Serve God.

Spiritual Gifts Definitions:

Administration

Administration (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to steer
the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by
planning, organizing, and supervising others.

The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the
special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of
the ministry.

People with this gift:
- develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals
- assist ministries to become more effective and efficient
- create order out of organizational chaos
- manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task
- organize people, tasks, or events.
(See also
Leadership
)

Apostle

Apostle (Leadership Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to exercise
general leadership or oversight over a number of churches with an authority in
spiritual matters, which is readily recognized. In the strict sense this
gift was confined to the twelve apostles. The New Testament does, however,
give this title to a number of others, e.g.
Romans 16:7
and
Acts 14:14
. It is the gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead,
inspire, and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching
of true doctrine.

The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or
ministry structures.

People with this gift:
- pioneer and establish new ministries or churches
- adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware
- desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries
- have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches
- demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church.

Celibacy

Celibacy - The special ability God gives to some to voluntarily remain single
without regret and with the ability to maintain control over sexual impulses
so as to serve the Lord without distraction.

Celibacy is a state totally opposed to all of the biological, social, and
emotional needs built into man or woman by God. Only God is able to overrule
instincts and by grace control them so that a person can remain unmarried.

Being unmarried is not necessarily the same as having this gift. Those who
have this gift remain single because they feel they can serve the Lord better
that way.

People with this gift:
- remain single so as to be able to devote themselves completely to ministry
- have other gifts that they are able to use more effectively because they are
celibate.

Craftsmanship / Artist

Craftsmanship / Artist - The gift that gives the believer the
skill to create artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of
strength and inspiration. Skilled Craft - the gift that enables a believer to
create, build, maintain, or repair items used within the church.

The divine enablement to creatively design and/or construct items to be used
for ministry or the divine enablement to communicate God's truth through a
variety of art forms.

People with this gift:
- work with wood, cloth, paint, metal, glass, and other raw materials
- make things which increase the effectiveness of other's ministries
- design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use
- work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands
- use the arts to communicate God's truth
- develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music, dance,
etc.
- use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider
Christ's message
- challenge people's perspective of God through various forms of the arts
- demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord's ministry and message.

Discernment / Distinguishing Spirits

Discernment / Distinguishing of Spirits - The special ability God gives to some
to know with assurance whether certain behavior or teaching is from God,
Satan, human error, or human power.

The divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error, to discern the
spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong.

People with this gift:
- distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure
- identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness
- determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic
- recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation
- are able to sense the presence of evil.

Encouragement

Encouragement (Speaking Gift) - The special ability God gives some to offer
comfort, words of encouragement, hope, and reassurance to discouraged, weak, or
troubled Christians in such a way that they are consoled.

People with this gift:
- come to the side of those who are discouraged to reassure them and give them
hope
- emphasize God's promises and confidence in his will.

Evangelism / Evangelist

Evangelism / Evangelist - The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the
Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the promises of
Christ through conversion to Christianity.

The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so
they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.

People with this gift:
- communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction
- seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters
- challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ
- adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual's needs
- seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers.

Exhortation

Exhortation (Speaking Gift) - The special ability God gives some to help
strengthen weak, faltering, and fainthearted Christians in such a way that they
are motivated to be all God wants them to be.

The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging,
challenging, comforting, and guiding.

The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action
those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.

People with this gift:
- come to the side of those who are weak in spirit to strengthen them
- challenge or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God
- urge others to action by applying Biblical truth
- offers advise, an outline for a solution, or a program for progress
- motivates others to grow.

Faith

Faith - The special conviction God gives to some to be firmly persuaded of
God's power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such
a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not
shake that conviction.

The divine enablement to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering
belief in God's ability to fulfill his purposes.

People with this gift:
- believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same
- act in complete confidence of God's ability to overcome obstacles
- demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and his promises
- advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not
- ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision.

Giving

Giving (Serving Gift) - The gift that enables a believer to recognize God's
blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously, sacrificially, and
cheerfully giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure) without
thought of return.

The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord
with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask, "How
much money do I need to give to God?" but "How much money do I need to live
on?"

People with this gift:
- manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of
their resources as possible
- support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom
- meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur
- provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for His provision
- may have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further
God's work.

Healing

Healing (Sign Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human
instrument through whom it pleases Him to cure illness and restore health
(physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually) apart from the use of
natural means.

The divine enablement to be God's means for restoring people to wholeness.

People with this gift:
- demonstrate the power of God
- bring restoration to the sick and diseased
- authenticate a message from God through healing
- use it as an opportunity to communicate a Biblical truth and to see God
glorified
- pray, touch, or speak words that miraculously bring healing to one's body.

Helps / Serving

Helps / Serving (Serving Gift) - The gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind
the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. The special ability God
gives to some to serve the church in a supporting role or to invest their
talents in the life and ministry of other members of the body enabling them
to increase their effectiveness.

The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which
free-up, support, and meet the needs of others.

People with this gift:
- serve behind the scenes whenever needed to support the gifts and ministries
of others (without having to be asked)
- see the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them
- sense God's purpose and pleasure in meeting every day responsibilities
- attach spiritual value to practical service
- enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them
to do.
- would rather do a job than find someone else to do it.

Hospitality

Hospitality (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to provide
an open home and warm welcome to those in need of food, lodging, and
fellowship. It involves a readiness to invite strangers to your home (or
church) for the sake of the Gospel.

The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and
shelter.

People with this gift:
- provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for
- meet new people and help them to feel welcomed
- create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop
- seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships
- set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.

Intercession / Prayer

Intercession / Prayer (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to
pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and
specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is
expected of the average Christian.

The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing
frequent and specific results.

People with this gift:
- feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause
- have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray
- are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer
- pray in response to the leading of the spirit, whether they understand it or
not
- exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping
of them to serve.

Knowledge

Knowledge (Speaking Gift) - The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain
Christians to understand in an exceptional way the great truths of God's
Word and to make them relevant to specific situations in the church. Also,
the desire to seek out and learn as much about the Bible as possible through
gathering much information and the analysis of that data.

The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or
Biblical insight.

People with this gift:
- receive truth which enables them to better serve the body
- search the scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth
- gain knowledge which at times was not attained by natural means
- have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church
- organize information for teaching and practical use.
(See also
Wisdom
)

Leadership

Leadership (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to set goals
in accordance with God's purpose and to communicate these goals to others in
such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish
these goals for the glory of God.

The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to
harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.

People with this gift:
- provide direction for God's people or ministry
- motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities
- present the "big picture" for others to see
- model the values of the ministry
- take responsibility and establish goals.
(See also
Administration
)

Mercy / Compassion

Mercy / Compassion (Serving Gift) - The special gift whereby the Spirit enables
certain Christians to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who
are suffering (physically, mentally, or emotionally) so as to feel genuine
sympathy for their misery, speaking words of compassion, but more so caring
for them with acts of love that help alleviate their distress.

The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are
suffering or are in need by putting compassion into action.

People with this gift:
- focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people
- address the needs of the lonely and forgotten
- express love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis
- serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully
- concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people.

Miracles

Miracles (Sign Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to serve as a
human intermediary through whom He pleases to perform acts of supernatural
power that are recognized by others to have altered the ordinary course of
nature and authenticated the divine commission.

People with this gift:
- speak God's truth and may have it authenticated by an accompanying miracle
- express confidence in God's faithfulness and ability to manifest Christ's
presence
- bring the ministry and message of Jesus Christ with power
- claim God to be the source of miracles and glorify the Lord
- represent Christ and through this gift, point people to a relationship with
Christ.

Missionary

Missionary (Leadership Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to
minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in another culture.

Those with this gift find it easy or exciting to adjust to a different culture
or community. Missionaries find great joy working with minorities, people of
other countries, or those with other distinct cultural differences. Those
with this gift have a stronger-than-average desire to be a part of the
fulfillment of the Great Commission around the world.

People with this gift:
- have an intense spirit of unease at the thought of all the unsaved people in
the world
- adapt themselves and core Biblical principles to different surroundings by
being culturally sensitive and aware
- have the ability to reach out people groups of a different ethnicity,
language, or cultural background
- can establish meaningful relationships with people of other nationalities or
cultures
- desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries.

Music

Music - The gift that gives a believer the capability to present
personal witness and inspiration to others through instrumental music,
singing, or dancing.

The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God
through music in such a way as to enhance the worship experience of other
believers. It gives the believer the desire and capability to express personal
faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical
instrument, singing, or dancing. The spiritual aspect of the gift is revealed
as the gift bearer gives witness to love and praise for the Lord, and thus
glorifies God. Those listening or watching become inspired to feel the presence
and majesty of God when music, song, or dance uplifts their soul in a manner
that brings them closer to their Lord.

People with this gift:
- sing or play a musical instrument quite well, and enjoy it
- have special joy singing praises to God, either alone or with other people
- feel secure in the fact that their musical ability will be of benefit to
other people with whom they come in contact
- can use their musical ability to help and inspire others to worship God
- see that their singing or instrument playing is a spiritual encouragement for
others.

Pastor / Shepherd

Pastor / Shepherd - The special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term
personal responsibility for leadership and the spiritual care, protection,
guidance, and feeding (teaching) of a group of believers.

The divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going
spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.

People with this gift:
- take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God
- provide guidance and oversight to a group of God's people
- model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus
- establish trust and confidence through long-term relationships
- lead and protect those within their span of care.

Poverty (voluntary)

Poverty (voluntary) - The special ability God gives to some to purposely live
an impoverished lifestyle to serve and aid others with their material
resources.

The special ability that God gives to some members of the body of Christ to
renounce material comfort and luxury and adopt a personal lifestyle equivalent
to those living at the poverty level in a given society in order to serve God
more effectively.

People with this gift:
- will often choose to live among people who are considered poverty-stricken
- live at a poverty level although they have the means to live at a higher
standard
- choose this lifestyle in order to minister more effectively to people through
identification.

Prophet / Prophecy

Prophet / Prophecy (Special Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to
proclaim the Word of God with clarity and to apply it fearlessly with a view to
the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of believers and the
convincing of unbelievers. The special gift whereby the Spirit empowers
certain Christians to interpret and apply God's revelation in a given
situation.

The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant
manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may
be immediate or future implications.

People with this gift:
- expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation
- speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification
- see truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond
- warn of God's immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance
- understand God's heart and mind through experiences He takes them through.

Teaching / Teacher

Teaching / Teacher - The special ability God gives to some to explain the
truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those
taught understand and learn. To instruct others in the Bible in a logical and
systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true
understanding and growth.

The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God
causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners.

People with this gift:
- communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the word
- challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture
- focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better
- give attention to detail and accuracy
- prepare through extended times of study and reflection.

Tongues (speaking)

Tongues (speaking) - The special ability God gives to some to speak prayer or
praise in a language they have never learned or to communicate a message from
God to His people. The special ability God gives to some to speak in a
language not previously learned so unbelievers can hear God's message in their
own language.

If a tongue is spoken without an interpretation, the speaker is edified. If
the tongue is interpreted, it is for the edification of the body.

People with this gift:
- may receive a spontaneous message from God which is made known to His body
through the gift of interpretation
- communicate a message given by God for the church (if there is someone to
interpret)
- speak in a language they have never learned and do not understand
- worship the Lord with unknown words too deep for the mind to comprehend
- experience an intimacy with God which inspires them to serve and edify others
- speak in tongues as a private prayer language
- when used in a group setting, an interpretation must take place, or else the
one speaking the tongue should remain silent.

Wisdom

Wisdom (Speaking Gift) - The gift that allows the believer to sort through
opinions, facts, and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best
for the individual believer or the community of believers. The ability to
apply knowledge to life in such a way as to make spiritual truths quite
relevant and practical in proper decision making and daily life situations.

The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to
know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how
knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of
Christ.

People with this gift:
- focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take
- receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body
- provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion
- hear the Spirit provide direction for God's best in a given situation
- apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.
(See also
Knowledge
)

Writing

Writing - the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a
written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of
believers.

The special God-given ability to formulate thoughts and ideas into meaningful
written forms so that the reader will find courage, guidance, knowledge, or
edification through the words shared with them.

The Bible was written by people with this gift.

People with this gift:
- may write stories, sermons, devotions, histories, prayers, songs, or poetry
to be used to build up the body of Christ
- may be inspired by the Holy Spirit in what they write
- may teach God's word to others through what they write
- may use writing to express other gifts
- may be better at expressing their thoughts in written form than in verbal
form.